Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 - Download Center - Microsoft

Volume Licensing reference guide for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1

Volume Licensing reference guide

Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1

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Volume Licensing reference guide for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 Table of Contents Windows 8.1 Editions, Windows RT 8.1, and Related Products ......................................................................................... 3 Windows 8.1 Editions and Windows RT 8.1 ........................................................................................................................ 3 Windows Desktop Offerings Available Through Volume Licensing .......................................................................... 3 Windows 8.1 Pro Upgrade License ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Rights to Windows 8.1 Pro for Windows 8 Pro Customers .......................................................................................... 4 Windows 8.1 Enterprise Upgrade License .................................................................................................................................. 4 Qualifying Operating Systems ........................................................................................................................................................ 5 Windows Software Assurance and Windows Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) ............................................................... 7 Licensing Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA on a per Device Basis .......................................... 7 Licensing Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA on a per User Basis ............................................... 7 Access Rights to Windows Enterprise Through Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA .......... 10 Perpetual Use Rights for Windows Enterprise ................................................................................................................. 10 Benefits of Windows Software Assurance ......................................................................................................................... 11 Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack ....................................................................................................................................... 13 Windows To Go Rights .................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Windows 8.1 Enterprise Sideloading .......................................................................................................................................... 15 Windows 8.1 Downgrade Rights .................................................................................................................................................. 16 Volume Activation ............................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Activation Through Key Management Service and Multiple Activation Key ....................................................... 17 Activation Through Microsoft Active Directory ............................................................................................................... 17 Get Genuine Options ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18 Windows Offerings by Volume Licensing Program .............................................................................................................. 19 Windows Desktop Products Available for Purchase by Volume Licensing Program ....................................... 19 How to Acquire Licenses Through Volume Licensing .................................................................................................. 20

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Introduction Windows 8.1 offers the experiences that people love while delivering enterprise-grade solutions that businesses require. Microsoft Volume Licensing solutions provide the most flexible and cost-effective way to give your organization access to the latest Windows desktop technologies. Whether you want to upgrade your PCs to Windows 8.1, gain access to exclusive offerings such as Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition and the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, or use Windows with greater flexibility, there is a Volume Licensing option that is right for your organization. This document provides an overview of the products available through Volume Licensing, information about the products that are eligible for upgrades, and the key choices you have for utilizing Windows in your organization. Content included is for descriptive informational purposes only and is not meant to replace or override other licensing documentation such as the Windows 8.1 End User License Agreement, Product Use Rights, or the Product List.

Windows 8.1 Editions, Windows RT 8.1, and Related Products Windows 8.1 Editions and Windows RT 8.1 There is an edition of Windows designed to meet the needs of every organization, from a small, growing business to a multinational enterprise. The following table lists the channels through which Windows RT 8.1 and the consumer and business editions of Windows 8.1 are available.

Full Packaged Product (Retail)

Preinstalled on PC (OEM)

Volume Licensing

Windows 8.1 Pro

Windows 8.1 Pro

Windows 8.1 Pro

Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1*

Windows 8.1 Enterprise

Windows RT 8.1 *In select emerging markets, a local language-only edition of Windows 8.1 (Windows 8.1 Single Language) is available.

Windows Desktop Offerings Available Through Volume Licensing The following offerings are available for purchase through Microsoft Volume Licensing:

Product

Description

Windows 8.1 Pro Upgrade

Windows 8.1 Pro is for small to midsize organizations and delivers new levels of productivity, security, and mobility without sacrificing performance or choice. It provides enhanced features that help you easily connect to company networks, access files on the go, encrypt data, and more. Windows 8.1 Pro is ready for business.

Windows 8.1 Enterprise Upgrade

Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition includes all the capabilities of Windows 8.1 Pro, plus premium features designed to meet the mobility, productivity, security, manageability, and virtualization needs of today’s large organizations. See the Windows 8.1 Enterprise section below for more details.

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Volume Licensing reference guide for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 Windows Software Assurance

Windows Software Assurance provides the greatest flexibility for how you use Windows. It includes access to new versions as they become available, flexible use rights, and a set of tools, technologies, and training to help you get the most from your Windows investment. Windows Software Assurance is available on a per device or per user basis.

Windows Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) Subscription License

The Windows VDA subscription license provides the right to access virtual Windows desktop environments from devices that are not covered by Software Assurance for Windows, such as thin clients. Windows VDA is available on a per device or per user basis. Note: VDA Rights are also included as a benefit of Windows Software Assurance. MDOP helps manage Windows features, simplify deployments through virtualization, and restore user productivity after a system issue.

Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on

Adds Windows Software Assurance per User rights for a primary user with a primary device that is licensed with Windows Software Assurance, or Windows per User VDA rights for a primary user with a primary device that is licensed with Windows VDA.

Add-on Offerings for Software Assurance or VDA

Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP)

Note: Windows Companion Subscription Licenses (CSLs) have been retired. Users previously licensed for the CSL receive the same use rights as Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on.

Windows 8.1 Pro Upgrade License Volume Licensing is a cost-effective and scalable way for commercial customers to upgrade existing PCs to Windows 8.1. If PCs are not already covered by Software Assurance for Windows, you can purchase upgrade licenses through a Volume Licensing program to gain access to Windows 8.1 Pro. Windows 8.1 Pro is designed for small and midsize organizations and can run on PCs that meet the recommended hardware requirements of Windows 7 Professional and Windows 8 Pro, which means that it will run on the majority of business PCs already in use today. The Windows 8.1 Pro upgrade license allows you to take advantage of the security, productivity, and ease of management on existing PCs with a qualifying operating system license (see below). 

Encrypt your data with BitLocker

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Access your PC on the go with Remote Desktop



Connect to company networks with domain join

Rights to Windows 8.1 Pro for Windows 8 Pro Customers Organizations that acquired Windows 8 Pro through a volume license agreement are licensed for Windows 8.1 Pro even if their Software Assurance for the Windows desktop operating system expired prior to the release of Windows 8.1 Pro. This does not apply to Windows 8 Enterprise; new version rights for Windows Enterprise edition come exclusively through active Software Assurance.

Windows 8.1 Enterprise Upgrade License Windows 8.1 Enterprise features include all the capabilities that customers get with Windows 8.1 Pro, plus premium features designed to provide the mobile productivity, security, manageability, and virtualization needs of today’s organizations. Windows 8.1 Enterprise is available for purchase through a volume license agreement or with Windows VDA subscription.

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Volume Licensing reference guide for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 Customers with Windows 8.1 Enterprise can take advantage of the following features, not available in Windows 8.1 Pro:

Feature

Description

Windows To Go Creator

Allows the creation of a fully manageable corporate desktop running Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition on a bootable USB drive.

Start screen control

Enables IT to control the Start screen layout that users will see (but cannot change) through centrally managed Group Policies.

DirectAccess

Allows remote users to seamlessly access resources inside a corporate network without having to launch a separate VPN.

BranchCache

Allows users’ PCs to cache files, websites, and other content from central servers, so content is not repeatedly downloaded across the wide area network (WAN).

AppLocker

Enables IT to specify what software is allowed to run on a user's PCs through centrally managed but flexible Group Policies.

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) enhancements

Enhancements in Microsoft RemoteFX and Windows Server 2012 R2 provide users a rich desktop experience with the ability to have RemoteApps look more like local apps, adjust screen resolution and orientation on demand, and reconnect to your desktop quickly across any type of network (LAN or WAN) for VDI scenarios.

Windows 8.1 Enterprise Sideloading

As Enterprise Sideloading is enabled as a feature in Windows 8.1 Enterprise, customers running this edition on domain-joined PCs can easily manage the direct deployment of touch-optimized Windows 8.1 apps to these devices without going through the Windows Store.

Learn more about Windows 8.1 Enterprise at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise.

Qualifying Operating Systems Windows licenses available through Volume Licensing are upgrade-only licenses. They do not replace purchasing the initial Windows licenses for software that comes preinstalled on new PCs. Each PC that runs the Windows 8.1 Pro or Enterprise upgrade must first be licensed to run one of the qualifying operating systems identified below—otherwise the PC will not have a valid, legal Windows license. If you don’t have a preexisting license for a genuine, qualifying operating system on your PC, see the Get Genuine Options section in this guide. Each of these conditions must be met in order for a base PC to be eligible for an upgrade license: 

Software under the qualifying operating system license must already be installed on the device that will be assigned the Volume Licensing upgrade. See the chart below of versions that are eligible for upgrade.



You must remove the existing qualifying operating system from the device in order to deploy the Volume Licensing upgrade license, unless the device or user is covered by Windows Software Assurance.



Customers who want to install or run more than one licensed operating system at one time (including the qualifying operating system) can optionally attach Windows Software Assurance to their Volume Licensing upgrade license.

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Volume Licensing reference guide for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 Qualifying Operating Systems for the Windows 8.1 Pro or Enterprise Upgrade Through Volume Licensing:

Qualifying Operating Systems

New Enterprise Agreement (EA)/ Open Value Company-wide (OV-CW)

Existing EA/ OV-CW

Select/Select Plus (All Except Academic)

Open (All Except Academic, Academic and Charity, and Charity OV-CW)

Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit) Enterprise (N, K, KN)* Pro (N, K, KN, diskless)* Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 Single Language* Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit) Windows 7 Enterprise (N, K, KN)* Windows 7 Professional (N, K, KN, diskless)* Windows 7 Ultimate Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 7 Home Basic* Windows 7 Starter Edition Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit) Windows Vista Enterprise (N, K, KN) Windows Vista Business (N, K, KN, Blade) Windows Vista Ultimate Windows Vista Home Premium Windows Vista Home Basic Windows Starter Edition Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit) Windows XP Professional (N, K, KN, Blade) Windows XP Tablet Edition (N, K, KN, Blade) Windows XP Pro N Windows XP Pro Blade PC Windows XP Home/Windows XP Starter Windows 2000 Professional Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Windows 98 (including 2nd Edition) Apple Macintosh *Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 Single Language, Windows 7 Home Basic, N, K, and KN are specialized editions available for certain markets. Diskless availability is limited to Windows 8.1 Pro and Windows 7 Professional.

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Windows Software Assurance and Windows Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) Windows Software Assurance includes a core set of benefits to help improve workforce productivity, streamline software deployment, and reduce costs. It also provides the greatest flexibility for how you use Windows because it includes access to enterprise offerings and use rights that are not available through other licensing programs. Windows Software Assurance is the path to supporting people’s flexible work styles by providing access to Windows in a variety of ways across devices. You can license Windows Software Assurance on a per device or per user basis. For devices or users that do not qualify for Windows Software Assurance, you can license Windows VDA for access to the benefits of Windows Software Assurance. With Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA, you get flexible access to Windows Enterprise, plus a number of additional benefits. Your options for acquiring Windows Software Assurance or Windows VDA are described below.

Licensing Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA on a per Device Basis You can license Windows Software Assurance on a per device basis in the following ways: 

When purchasing a Windows 8.1 Enterprise Upgrade license through Volume Licensing, you can also acquire Software Assurance for that license.



Software Assurance is automatically included in certain Volume Licensing programs such as Enterprise Agreement, Enterprise Subscription Agreement, Open Value, Open Value Subscription, and Enrollment for Education Solutions.

If you have devices that do not have or are not eligible for Windows Software Assurance (such as thin clients), you can access many of the benefits of Windows Software Assurance by licensing those devices with a Windows VDA subscription. See below for a comparison of device-based Windows Software Assurance and the Windows VDA subscription.

Comparing Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA subscription.

Licensing Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA on a per User Basis Traditionally, Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA have been available for licensing only on a per device basis. Starting December 1, 2014, you can license Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA on a per user basis. With per user licensing, you license an individual, instead of a device, and that individual receives use rights for any device. This puts your users at the center of your Windows licensing solution, gives you flexible options for how you deploy and access Windows across devices, and simplifies Windows licensing and management.

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There are three different options for how you license access to Windows on a per user basis: Windows Software Assurance per User, Windows VDA per User, and Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on. Here is a quick comparison of Windows Software Assurance per User, Windows VDA per User, and Windows per User Software Assurance Add-on: Note: ”Primary user’s primary device” means the user is the primary user of a device AND that device is that user’s primary work device.

Windows Software Windows VDA per Assurance per User User

Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on When Added to When Added to Windows Software Windows VDA per Assurance per Device Device

Licensing Requirements

Primary user’s primary device must be licensed for Windows 7/8/8.1 Pro or Enterprise

License Model Local Install of Windows Enterprise

No device Primary user’s requirements; may be primary device must assigned to any user already be covered by Windows Software Assurance

Primary user’s primary device must already be covered by Windows VDA

Per user; No device limits On any Windows 7/8/8.1 Pro or Enterprise device or Windows tablet 10.1 inches or less

VDI Access and Windows To Go MDOP

Any device Single MDOP subscription extends across all of user’s devices

Here’s how to choose the right option: 

Windows Software Assurance per User Windows Software Assurance per User is the right option if ALL of the following apply: 

The user is the primary user of at least one device licensed for Windows 8/8.1 Pro or Enterprise, or Windows 7 Professional or Enterprise, AND



The device is the user’s primary work device, AND



The device is not already covered by Windows Software Assurance or Windows VDA

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Volume Licensing reference guide for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 

Windows VDA per User Windows VDA per User is the right option if either ONE of the following applies: 

The user is NOT the primary user of at least one device licensed for Windows 8/8.1 Pro or Enterprise, or Windows 7 Professional or Enterprise, OR



The user uses a device licensed for Windows 8/8.1 Pro, or Enterprise or Windows 7 Professional or Enterprise, but that devices is the NOT user’s primary work device

Note: Because there is no requirement that the user is the primary user of a primary device licensed for Windows 8/8.1 Pro or Enterprise, or Windows 7 Professional or Enterprise, Windows VDA per User is the least restrictive option. If you were to license every user with Windows VDA per User, every user would have access to Windows Enterprise without the need to track the operating system license(s) on the user’s device(s) (except for devices on which you install the software locally).



Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on is the right option if either ONE of the following applies: 

The user is the primary user of a primary device with active Windows Software Assurance coverage, OR



The user is the primary user of a primary device with active Windows VDA coverage

With the Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on, you get all of the benefits of Windows Software Assurance per User or Windows VDA per User at a price that recognizes your existing investment. When you license the primary user of a primary device that is already covered with Windows Software Assurance, the Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on grants the licensed user with all of the benefits of Windows Software Assurance per User. When you license the primary user of a primary device that is already covered with Windows VDA, the Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on grants the licensed user with all of the benefits of Windows VDA per User.

Underlying Device License: Windows Software Assurance Add-on License Use Rights Granted by Add-on

Windows VDA

Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on Windows Software Assurance per User

Windows VDA per User

Use this flow chart to help you choose the right per user option:

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Access Rights to Windows Enterprise Through Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA Likely the most valuable benefit you receive through Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA is the flexible access to Windows Enterprise. The table below outlines those access rights. For full details of the access rights granted, refer to the Software Assurance Benefits section of the Microsoft Volume Licensing Product Use Rights (PUR).

Access Rights to Windows Enterprise:

Local Install

Remote Access through Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) or Windows To Go

Per User Software Assurance

Per Device VDA

Any device licensed for Windows 7/8/8.1 Pro or Enterprise and any Windows tablet with a diagonal screen size of 10.1 inches or less

Any device

Software Assurance

VDA

The licensed device only

The licensed device only if licensed for Windows 7/8/8.1 Pro or Enterprise

Noncorporate devices while away from the office (through Roaming Use Rights)

Perpetual Use Rights for Windows Enterprise Because per device Windows Software Assurance is attached to the Windows Enterprise upgrade, the use rights for the Windows Enterprise are perpetual for the licensed device even after Software Assurance coverage ends (unless the Windows Enterprise upgrade is acquired under a subscription license). The same applies to the Windows Software Assurance per User

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Volume Licensing reference guide for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 Add-on, because there is underlying Windows Software Assurance coverage for the user’s primary device. You may also move your Windows Enterprise upgrade license to a new device while your Software Assurance coverage is active. Windows Software Assurance per User does not have an underlying Windows Enterprise upgrade license with Software Assurance, therefore perpetual use rights are not granted.

Benefits of Windows Software Assurance Whether you license Windows Software Assurance or Windows VDA on a per device or per user basis, you receive a number of benefits specific to Windows. See below for an overview of the benefits. Note: “Licensed device” refers to any device covered by either Windows Software Assurance or a Windows VDA on a per device basis. “Licensed user” refers to any user covered by either Windows Software Assurance or a Windows VDA on a per user basis.

Flexible Use Rights

Access to Enterprise Offerings

Benefit

Description

New Version Rights

With New Version Rights, you have access to new releases of Windows on any licensed device or by any licensed user as soon as they are released for no additional cost.

Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP)

MDOP is an optional subscription add-on that enables businesses to virtualize the operating system applications and the user experience, manage Windows features, and restore user productivity after a system issue.

Windows Thin PC

Windows Thin PC is a smaller footprint version of Windows 7 that enables organizations to repurpose existing PCs as thin clients, thereby reducing the need for new thin client hardware. This benefit applies only to devices or users licensed with Software Assurance for Windows (and not VDA).

Windows Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) Rights

Access Windows in a variety of ways across devices.

Windows To Go Use Rights

Travel light without sacrificing productivity by using Windows To Go.

See the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack section below for more details.

Windows VDA Rights enable users to access virtual instances of Windows in a variety of user scenarios. See the table above for more details.

Windows To Go is a fully manageable corporate desktop running Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition on a bootable USB stick. This use right allows Windows To Go to be run on any licensed device or by any licensed user. See the Windows To Go section below for more details.

Roaming Use Enable work from home and on the road scenarios through Roaming Use Rights. Rights Roaming Use Rights allow the licensed user or the primary user of any licensed device to access a virtual instance of Windows running in the virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) data center or Windows To Go from noncorporate devices, such as personally owned or hotel business center PCs, while away from the office.

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Volume Licensing reference guide for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 Note: Roaming Use Rights apply only to Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA when licensed per device. Windows Software Assurance per User and Windows VDA per User licenses grant the same rights, but from any device, anywhere.

Windows RT Companion VDA Rights

Extend productivity to Windows RT tablets with Virtual Desktop Access. Windows RT Companion VDA Rights allow the primary user of a licensed device rights to access a corporate desktop through a VDI from a corporate-owned companion Windows 8.1 RT or Windows RT device with no additional Windows license required.

Windows 8.1 Deploy custom Windows 8.1 apps directly to corporate devices without using the Windows Store. Enterprise Receive the necessary use rights required to enable deployment of touch-optimized Windows Sideloading 8.1 apps directly to devices within an organization instead of having to install through the public Windows Store. See the Windows 8.1 Enterprise Sideloading section below for more details. With Windows Software Assurance or Windows VDA, you also have access to the following benefits: 

Extended Hotfix Support: Provides specific product fixes on a per customer incident basis, beyond the standard product support.



24x7 Problem Resolution Support: Provides around-the-clock phone and web incident support for Microsoft server and desktop products.



Enterprise Source Licensing Program: Provides access to Windows source code for internal development and support.



E-Learning: Offers self-paced interactive training designed for end users and IT professionals; delivered over the Internet or an intranet.



Training Vouchers: Provides in-depth technical classroom training for IT professionals and developers.



Spread Payments: Payment for license and Software Assurance may be spread across three equal, annual sums.

Notes: 

The rights above apply only to Windows, and license requirements for other software still apply.



Benefit eligibility varies by Volume Licensing program and products. Refer to the Microsoft Volume Licensing Product List to verify eligibility by program and products.

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Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) is a suite of technologies that helps enterprise customers take advantage of desktop virtualization, better manage Windows devices, and deliver advanced system restore capabilities. It is available to Windows Software Assurance and Windows VDA customers as an add-on subscription license. If you license Windows Software Assurance or Windows VDA on a per device basis, then your MDOP subscription is also licensed on a per device basis, so it covers that specific device. If you license Windows Software Assurance or Windows VDA on a per user basis or you have the Windows per User Add-on, then your MDOP subscription is also licensed on a per user basis, so it covers all of the licensed user’s devices. Likewise, if you attach MDOP to a device and the primary user of the device is covered by Windows Software Assurance per User or Windows VDA per User, all of that user’s devices are covered for MDOP. You can access MDOP and any additions for as long as your MDOP subscription is active. The MDOP suite includes the following technologies: Technology

Description

Microsoft User Experience Virtualization (UE-V)

Deliver a user’s personal Windows experience across many devices, enabling them to change their device and keep their experience, using an enterprisescale user state virtualization solution that is simple for IT to deploy and that easily integrates with existing management tools.

Microsoft Application Virtualization Virtualize (App-V)

Manage

Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) helps organizations provide their end users with access to virtually any application, anywhere, without installing applications directly on their computers.

Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V)

Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization (MED-V) helps enterprises upgrade to Windows 8.1 even when some applications are not yet compatible.

Microsoft Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM)

Microsoft Advanced Group Policy Management (AGPM) extends the capabilities of the Group Policy to provide comprehensive change control and improved management for Group Policy Objects.

Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring (MBAM)

Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring (MBAM) simplifies BitLocker management through centralized deployment, key management and recovery, provisioning, and reporting of encryption status for devices across the enterprise.

Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT)

Reduce downtime and accelerate desktop repair, recovery, and troubleshooting of unbootable Windows-based systems with intuitive repair and recovery tools.

Restore Learn more about MDOP at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/products/mdop.aspx.

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Windows To Go Rights By using Windows To Go, users can travel light without sacrificing productivity, organizations can enable new “Bring Your Own PC” scenarios, and contingent staff can get up and running faster with more security. Windows To Go enables IT administrators to provide users with a corporate Windows image that can include line-of-business apps, settings, and corporate data on a compatible USB storage device. Users can boot and operate Windows To Go from any supported corporate or personal PC (Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 logo-certified) and continue to get a rich and consistent Windows 8.1 experience.

Windows To Go Rights 

Any supported device covered by either Windows Software Assurance or Windows VDA subscription is licensed to run Windows To Go.



The primary user of any device licensed at work with Windows Software Assurance or Windows VDA can run Windows To Go while at home or on the road from a supported noncorporate PC (for example, personally owned or hotel business center) under Roaming Use Rights.



A user licensed with Windows Software Assurance per User or Windows VDA per User is licensed to run Windows To Go for their exclusive use on any supported device.

Note: Windows To Go requires volume activation, either by using the Key Management Service (KMS) server in your organization or by using Active Directory–based volume activation. See the Volume Activation section below for more details.

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Windows 8.1 Enterprise Sideloading For Windows 8.1, desktop apps can continue to be deployed as they always have been. For new touch-optimized Windows 8.1 apps, the Windows Store is a great way to install these apps to business customers. Medium- or enterprise-size customers who typically deploy apps at broader scale might want to also distribute new Windows 8.1 apps directly to devices within their organization. For example, this direct deployment option makes sense for custom developed line-of-business apps or enterprise software purchased directly from an ISV. Customers can enable their devices running Windows 8.1 Enterprise, Windows 8.1 Pro, or Windows RT 8.1 for direct deployment of custom-developed, line-of-business Windows 8.1 apps outside of the Windows Store through Enterprise Sideloading. 

Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition has features built in that enable Enterprise Sideloading, allowing customers running this edition on domain-joined PCs to easily manage the deployment of trusted Windows 8.1 apps through a policy setting (refer to this TechNet article to learn more about policy settings for Enterprise Sideloading).



Customers will also be able to enable Enterprise Sideloading of trusted Windows 8.1 apps on Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro, or Windows 8.1 Enterprise devices that are not domain-joined by using a Volume Licensing Multiple Activation Key (MAK) in addition to the policy setting referenced above. To learn more about using MAK, see the Volume Activation section below.

Windows RT 8.1

Product Key Required

Windows 8 .1 Pro Windows 8.1 Enterprise

Feature*

*Requires device to be domain-joined.

Customers with Windows Software Assurance or Windows VDA subscriptions in the following Volume Licensing programs will be granted Enterprise Sideloading rights and provided with the MAKs as a Software Assurance benefit at no additional cost. Product keys for Enterprise Sideloading will be made available through the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). 

Enterprise Agreement with Windows



Enterprise Subscription Agreement with Windows



Enrollment for Education Solutions with Windows (under a Campus and School Agreement)



School Enrollment with Windows



Select and Select Plus with Software Assurance for Windows

Other customers who want to deploy custom line-of-business Windows 8.1 apps can purchase Enterprise Sideloading licenses and MAKs through Volume Licensing. These purchased licenses include Enterprise Sideloading rights for Windows 8 along with Windows 8.1. Enterprise Sideloading licenses will be available for purchase in the following programs and will also be made available through the VLSC: 

Select and Select Plus



Open License



Microsoft Products and Services Agreement

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Windows 8.1 Downgrade Rights Your rights to use prior versions of Windows in place of Windows 8.1 (“downgrade rights”) depend on how the license was acquired.

Preinstalled on PC (OEM) OEM downgrade rights are limited to the equivalent edition for Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

Volume Licensing Volume Licensing downgrade rights provide greatest flexibility, with downgrades to any prior version.

Notes: 

Downgrade rights are included in licenses obtained through OEM Preinstall or Volume Licensing and do not apply to retail copies of Windows.



OEM downgrade rights apply to Windows 8.1 Pro and allow downgrading to Windows 7 Professional or Windows Vista Business.

OEM Preinstall Version Downgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro

Volume Licensing Windows 8.1 Pro Upgrade

Windows 8.1 Enterprise Upgrade

Windows 8 Enterprise Windows 8 Pro Windows 7 Enterprise Windows 7 Professional Windows Vista Enterprise Windows Vista Business Windows XP Pro Windows 2000 Professional Windows 95/98/NT

This means that PCs purchased with Windows 8.1 Pro preinstalled by an OEM will have the option to downgrade to either Windows 7 Professional or Windows Vista Business. For circumstances requiring Windows XP or other prior versions, the rights to downgrade to these versions are only available through Volume Licensing, not the OEM preinstall license. Notes:  There are no downgrade rights to Windows 7 Ultimate.  Support for Windows XP ended April 8, 2014.

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Volume Activation Windows product activation is a set of technologies that enables customers to confirm that their copy of Windows is properly licensed. Product activation is required for all editions of Windows 8.1. Volume Activation applies to computers that are covered under a Volume Licensing program and allows enterprise customers to automate the activation process, making it transparent to users. It is used strictly as a tool for activation, and it is not tied to license invoicing or billing.

Activation Through Key Management Service and Multiple Activation Key Key Management Service (KMS) allows organizations to activate computers within customer environment through an internally hosted service (KMS), and Multiple Activation Key (MAK) activates computers on a one-time basis by using the hosted activation services provided by Microsoft. Customers can use either or both key types to activate computers in their environments.

Activation Through Microsoft Active Directory During Active Directory–based activation, any Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2 computers connected to the domain will activate automatically and transparently during computer setup. These clients stay activated as long as they remain members of the domain and maintain periodic contact with a domain controller. Learn more about volume activation at http://www.technet.com/volumeactivation.

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Get Genuine Options Windows upgrade licenses are designed to upgrade previously acquired qualified operating system licenses. The best and most cost-effective way to acquire full Windows licenses is through preinstalled licenses on a new PC. However, if you discover counterfeit software or have applied a Volume Licensing Windows upgrade license without a qualified base operating system on your computers, there are solutions available through Volume Licensing that can help remedy this noncompliant situation. To purchase the correct Windows 8.1 Pro licenses through Volume Licensing, the Get Genuine Windows Agreement (GGWA) has two options: GGWA for Small and Medium Organizations and GGWA for Large Organizations. Academic customers can purchase Windows 8.1 licenses via GGWA for Academic Organizations.

GGWA for Small and Medium Organizations

GGWA for Large Organizations

GGWA for Academic Organizations

Target Audience

Customers with five or more PCs needing Windows licensing

Customers with a large installed base of PCs needing Windows licensing

Academic customers with five or more PCs needing Windows licensing

Order Quantity

Minimum five licenses (reorders allowed through the agreement term of two years)

Minimum five licenses

Minimum five licenses

Details



Sold through Microsoft Resellers



Non-signed commitment to buy legal going forward 



No transferability of license



Volume Licensing downgrade rights available









Support is available for purchase from a Microsoft  Reseller 

Sold through Microsoft  Licensing Solutions Provider or direct from Microsoft  Pre-signed agreement that includes an audit clause  Commitment that future  Windows software acquisitions will contain legal software Placement of a one-time–only order

Sold through Microsoft Academic Resellers Non-signed commitment to buy legal going forward No transferability of license Needs to be combined with Academic Windows Upgrade Volume License



Downgrade rights not available; available only with Academic Volume License

A Master Business and  Services Agreement must be in place or one must be set up

Software Assurance is not available; it can be added by acquiring a Windows Enterprise Upgrade license with Software Assurance

No transferability of license



Volume Licensing downgrade rights available



Support is available for purchase from either Microsoft or Microsoft Licensing Solutions Provider



Support is available for purchase from a Microsoft Reseller

Learn more about Get Genuine options at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/genuine/business.

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Windows Offerings by Volume Licensing Program Microsoft Volume Licensing offers customized programs that help organizations purchase software licenses. Tailored for different organization type, size, and purchasing preferences, Microsoft Volume Licensing programs provide flexible and affordable solutions designed to help you manage your licenses with ease. Whether you have five or thousands of desktop PCs, there is a Microsoft Volume Licensing program for you.

Windows Desktop Products Available for Purchase by Volume Licensing Program

Product

Open License

Open Value & Subscription

Select Plus & Select License

Microsoft Products and Services Agreement

Enterprise Agreement & Subscription

Enrollment for Education Solutions (Under a Campus and School Agreement)

School Enrollment

Windows 8.1 Pro Upgrade Windows 8.1 Enterprise Upgrade Windows 8.1 Enterprise Upgrade with Software Assurance (per Device) Windows Software Assurance per User Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on

*

*

Windows VDA per Device Windows VDA per User MDOP Windows 8.1 Enterprise Sideloading License *Full Windows Software Assurance per User licenses are not available through the Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES) or School Enrollment under a Campus and School Agreement. However, institutions may acquire Windows Software Assurance per User rights through the Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on. To license Windows Software Assurance per User for faculty and staff members, first license Windows Enterprise Upgrade + Software Assurance as a “Platform Product” organization-wide based on the faculty/staff full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (for EES) or eligible PCs (for School Enrollment). Then add Windows Software Assurance per User Add-on for any number of faculty/staff users.

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Volume Licensing reference guide for Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 How to Acquire Licenses Through Volume Licensing To acquire the latest Microsoft technology at a significant cost savings over full packaged products through Microsoft Volume Licensing, contact your Microsoft representative or Microsoft Reseller Partner. Your preferred Microsoft Volume Licensing reseller can help you acquire Software Assurance, which can be ordered through any Microsoft Volume Licensing program. To find a Microsoft Volume Licensing reseller: 

In the United States, call (800) 426-9400 or visit http://pinpoint.microsoft.com.



In Canada, call the Microsoft Resource Centre at (877) 568-2495.



Outside the United States or Canada, contact your local Microsoft subsidiary. To locate licensing information for your local subsidiary, visit http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/index/worldwide.mspx.

© 2014 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. This document is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS DOCUMENT. This information is provided to help guide your authorized use of products you license; it is not your agreement. Your use of products licensed under your volume license agreement is governed by the terms and conditions of that agreement. In the case of any conflict between this information and your agreement, the terms and conditions of your agreement control. Prices for licenses acquired through Microsoft resellers are determined by the reseller.

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